Ordinary Joe at Ice House
Bar & Grill
by EZ
Election night seems a strange time to go out and hear music, but
under the circumstances, this Tuesday, Nov. 2 called for a rousing
rock ’n’ roll band and dancing, along with some food and
a couple of good stiff drinks.
Ordinary Joe provided the music and dancing; the Icehouse Bar & Grill
in Vancouver, Wash. provided the food and drinks. Even the start time
of 7 p.m. allowed for some relaxation, but still retained the ability
to make it to work Wednesday morning.
Ordinary Joe has a sense of humor. This four-piece band is anything
but ordinary. They are all excellent musicians and their years of playing
together show in their performances.
Front and center is Scott Lee on Fender guitar and vocals, mixing rhythm
and lead guitar sounds. He’s a solid guitarist with a great voice.
Next to him on lightning slick lead guitar is Jimmy B., who plays both
a Gibson SG model and a rare special model Fender Stratocaster. He
has yet another great singing voice. At the other side of the stage
is Dan Nichols on bass, with a mixture of styles from standard rock ’n’ roll
single note picking to chord-strumming thunderous bass lines. Nichols
rounds out the vocals, making the three at the front of the stage able
to produce clear and powerful, organ-tone harmonies.
Finally, at the back of the stage is Dave LaMora on drums. LaMora is
one of the better and more interesting drummers around, showing a solid
appreciation for rock ’n’ roll and the blues, but with
an obvious background playing jazz somewhere. His timing is rock solid;
his fills keep the drumming fascinating.
Ordinary Joe plays the standard mix of “classic rock” from
the ‘60s through the ‘90s. A typical set list could include
Beatles, Van Morrison, John Mellencamp, Eagles and Rolling Stones.
All familiar, but with a special excitement from the band that gets
people on the dance floor from the beginning of the night to the end.
The Icehouse Bar and Grill was a new treat for this writer. It is located
just a couple of blocks off I-5 in Vancouver, off the 78th St. exit.
(7804 N.E. Hwy. 99). The combination bar, restaurant, dancehall and
game room is large and airy. Owners Kathy and Tony Pleascia have assembled
a friendly and efficient staff who genuinely enjoy the work here. Of
special note and commendation on election night was Frank Rumpul pouring
the drinks behind the bar. When one needs a stiff drink, he is able
to provide one with a smile.
In the eating tables area, next to the small dance floor, is a nice
cozy fireplace, perfect for a rainy November night. For entertainment,
The Icehouse has two pool tables (blue felt!) kept in excellent condition
and lots of video games. For the sports fans, there are several televisions
spaced around the bar, but on election night you can guess what was
on the big screen.
Another of the assets of The Icehouse is its food menu. Most nights
boast dinner specials: Monday, $7 meat loaf dinner; Tuesday, $7 pot
roast dinner; Wednesday, $7 spaghetti dinner; Thursday, Mexican food,
with 50¢ hard shell tacos, 75¢ soft shell tacos and $2.50
burritos. The food is fresh and made on the spot, with a sense of pride
in creating good meals.
Finally, The Icehouse seems to have the longest happy hours around,
running from 8-10 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
Ordinary Joe will play at The Icehouse again on Dec. 4 and 5 as part
of the bar’s “live music every weekend” policy. Or,
you can check out the Icehouse’s entire upcoming music schedule
at icehousebar.com or see ad this issue. It’s worth the short
drive to take in a friendly atmosphere and enjoy great food and drinks.
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